Packaged Drinking Water Testing for BIS Compliance

Testing of packaged drinking water in India is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS has set specific norms and standards that packaged drinking water must adhere to ensure its safety and quality. These norms cover various parameters including microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics.

Here's an overview of the testing requirements as per BIS norms in India:

Microbiological Parameters: This includes testing for various microorganisms such as Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, Escherichia Coli (E. coli), and other pathogens. The presence of these organisms beyond permissible limits can indicate contamination and pose health risks to consumers.

Chemical Parameters: Chemical testing involves analyzing the levels of various substances such as Dissolved Solids, Heavy Metals (like Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, etc.), Pesticides, PCB’s, PAH, Residual Chlorine, Fluoride, etc. Excessive levels of these substances can be harmful to health.

Physical Parameters: Physical testing includes assessing factors like pH levels, Turbidity, Odor, Taste, Color, etc. These parameters contribute to the overall acceptability and palatability of the water.

Packaging Material Testing: Apart from testing the water itself, BIS norms also encompass testing of the packaging material to ensure it is safe and does not leach harmful substances into the water.

Sampling and Testing Frequency: BIS specifies the frequency of sampling and testing that packaged drinking water manufacturers must adhere to. This ensures regular monitoring of the quality of water being produced.

Labeling Requirements: BIS also mandates certain labeling requirements for packaged drinking water, including information such as the water source, manufacturing date, expiry date, BIS certification mark, etc.

BIS Certification: Packaged drinking water must obtain BIS certification to demonstrate compliance with the prescribed norms and standards. The certification process involves rigorous testing and inspection by authorized BIS laboratories.

It's essential for packaged drinking water manufacturers to strictly adhere to these BIS norms to ensure that the water they produce is safe for consumption. Non-compliance can result in penalties and even cancellation of licenses. Consumers are advised to look for the BIS certification mark on packaged drinking water products as an assurance of quality and safety.

Shiva Analyticals, part of the Cotecna Group, has extensive experience in helping clients to comply BIS requirements. Our packaged water testing capabilities cover all the major BIS norms and standards. Our world class laboratories are equipped with sophisticated instruments like LCMSMS, GCHSMS, GCMSMS Triple Quad Purge & Trap, ICP MS, ICP OES, AAS, GC Head Space, GC Dual FID Autosampler, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, ATR FTIR, HPLC Coupled ICP MS, HPLC with UV-VIS, RI, DAD, FLD, and VWD detectors. 

Our packaged water testing scope includes: 

Organoleptic & Physical Parameters

• Colour
• Odour
• Taste
• Turbidity
• Total Dissolved Solids
• pH

General Parameters Concerning Substances Undesirable in Excessive Amount

• Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ag, Al, Se, Ca, Mg, Na, Sb, B
• NO3, NO2, F, Cl, SO4, Alkalinity, Sulphides, BrO3
• RFC, Phenolic Compounds, MBAS, Mineral Oil
• RFC, Phenolic Compounds, MBAS, Mineral Oil

Parameters Concerning Toxic Substance

• Hg, Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Ni, U
• Cyanides (CN)
• Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
• Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

Parameters Concerning Radio-Active Residues

• Alpha emitters, Becquerel (Bq/l)
• Beta emitters, Becquerel (Bq/l)

To learn more about packaged water testing or for a free consultation about Bureau of Indian Standards compliance, please contact us.